Chapter 24 — Hua Tri Ha's Return

"It wasn't until later that I realized one thing: a relationship truly worthy of existence should never be built on the harsh sacrifice of one person to cover the floor for the other to step on."
The auditorium was as quiet as paper. I paused for a few seconds, then raised my voice again:
"Van Cam's next goal is not to just become a shadow and depend on any fashion brand."
“We will create our own system of design and supply standards, master the system of exclusive and autonomous raw materials, and hold in our hands the life and death power of the high-end processing industry.”
“We will no longer open our mouths and wait for others to make choices.”
“We must strive to become an entity that others desire, need, respect, and shine brightest.”
When the thunderous applause echoed throughout the auditorium, I saw tears welling up in the corner of my father's eyes. After the event ended successfully, Chu Minh Le came closer and gave me a bouquet of pure white roses.
“President Hua gave it to you.”
The small card attached inside bears Dad's familiar handwriting:
“Tri Ha, welcome home.”
I fondled the card in my hand and finally couldn't hold back and smiled brightly. * Half a year later, Ha Canh Xuyen came all the way to find me again. At that time, I had just flown back home from a business trip to meet foreign customers. He stood clumsily in the lobby of the Van Cam building, wearing an old overcoat, with no assistant surrounding him, nor a driver carrying his belongings to escort him. He was visibly skinny. Seeing me, he gave a forced smile filled with shyness and timidity.
“Tri Ha.”
I stopped walking.
“Is there something wrong?”
He hesitated for a long time, then reached into his pocket and took out a bank card.
“This is the old card I secretly hid under your pillow.”
"I've always been careful and never wasted a penny."
I calmly looked at the card, without reaching out to receive it. He mumbled to himself:
"The money is in here, I've already checked the statement."
“From the odd one-two-yuan silver coin, the accumulation gradually reached tens of millions.”
"Before, I really didn't know that you saved every penny and gathered it together like that."
“I thought you were just a stupid young lady who didn't know anything.”
His voice was choked with sobs.
“It turns out… it's just because I cherish every little bit of what you can give me.”
I calmly looked at him without emotion:
“Now that I realize it, it doesn't mean anything anymore.”
The corners of Ha Canh Xuyen's eyes were red and swollen.
“I know.”
“I just want to give it back to you.”
I gently replied:
“That card is no longer mine.”
He was stunned and dumbfounded. I cast a leisurely look at the card.
“That thing is the relic left behind by Hua Tri Ha yesterday.”
“She no longer exists in this world.”
Ha Canh Xuyen's outstretched hand slowly drooped down.
“You really… don't hate me any more?”
I was a bit lost in thought.
“At first there was hatred.”
“Later, I was so busy with work that I forgot about it.”
Those light words seem to have value
A fatal blow is more painful than a thousand words of resentment. He lowered his head, and it took a long time before he uttered the words:
“That… is good.”
“Don't miss me anymore.”
I didn't reply. As I turned around and entered the lobby of the Van Cam building, I vaguely heard his voice whispering softly behind me:
“Tri Ha, I'm sorry.”
The elevator door slammed shut. I never looked back once. *